In Touch with Woodbridge - October 2015

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Volume 5 • Issue No. 6 • OCTOBER 2015

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.fotobay.co.uk

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 3rd October 2015, 9.30am Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 14th October 2015, 7pm For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I was busily, and rather angrily, removing ice-pop wrappers from down the side of the sofa when I heard Jack say “Is that a real boy mum? Is he really dead?” Needless to say I turned rather quickly to discover that Jack was sitting on the floor watching the news. It was the horrific story of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old who drowned as his family tried to flee from Kobani to Europe. The image of his tiny body being carried from the beach was still on the screen, but at that moment it was the shock on Jack’s face which made me catch my breath. What was I to say? Jack often sits to watch the news with me and we have had some good discussions about elections, bank robberies and the like, but was this a subject I was prepared to deal with?

I sat beside him on the floor and we listened to the end of the report together. Aylan drowned after the boat ferrying him from the Turkish beach resort of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos capsized, killing 12 passengers. Aylan’s five-year-old brother, Galip, and his mother, Rehan, were also among the dead. His father, Abdullah, was the only family member to survive. Aylan’s journey was supposed to end in sanctuary in Europe; instead it claimed his life.

I then tried to explain why Aylan and his family were in the boat, but the subject is just too big and too complicated for a five-year-old to digest. The image of Aylan, pictured face down in his red shirt and blue shorts, has shocked the world and highlighted the plight of desperate people caught in the gravest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Suddenly my token donation to ActionAid felt entirely insufficient so I abandoned the sofa and Jack and I went to the post office to make a donation. Jack donated the contents of his money box saying “this is for Aylan’s daddy”.

We can learn a lot from children, not least how to be better humans.

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In Touch with Melton & Woodbridge is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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NEWS LOCAL SEAFOOD CELEBRATION RETURNS FOR FOURTH YEAR

L-R: Jonathan Simper (Simpers of Suffolk), Garth Wray (The Crown at Woodbridge), Stephen David (Bespoke Events), Roger Aston (Field, Feather & Fur Catering), Sharon and Brian Wolff (The Tea Hut)

The Woodbridge Shuck Shellfish Festival returns to celebrate all local produce, not purely local shellfish, for a fourth consecutive year, from October 8-11. The festival brings together an exciting programme of events over four days, created to get people enjoying the finest local culinary talent using the freshest local food.

of meat and shellfish cooked in a variety of different styles including Italian, Asian, Spanish and barbecue. There will be cakes, ice cream and kids meals as well as fully-stocked bars for the grownups. Local chefs will captivate the crowds and show off their knife skills in the Shuck Off: Oyster Shucking Competition during the afternoon.

On Thursday 8 and Friday 9 the hugely popular Shuck Shack pop up restaurant is back at Woodbridge Tide Mill, catered by Bespoke Events. Stephen David and the team will be serving a tantalising taste of Suffolk at this unique venue on Thursday and Friday evenings as well as Friday lunchtime.

On Sunday evening there is a Safari Supper taking place in Woodbridge where diners move between restaurants having one delicious locally sourced course in each. The Crown, The Table and The Riverside are tempting diners with a sumptuous safari through Woodbridge’s Quay Street restaurants. Only a few spots remain so contact The Crown soon to secure a place at the table.

On Saturday 10, the Shuck shuffles inland to include Choose Woodbridge’s ‘What’s Tasty’ local food producers market on Market Hill. Visitors are welcomed by the producers and encouraged to try and buy the fresh local food. The stimulating backdrop of cooking demos by local chefs will have a focus on local shellfish and Simpers of Suffolk will be selling fresh oysters, mussels and crab alongside the range of land-sourced produce including sweetcorn, bread, cakes, tide mill flour, and more.

On Sunday 11 in the afternoon there is the aptly dubbed, Seafood Sunday, a relaxed community celebration with great food and live music hosted by the Tea Hut’s new owners Sharon and Brian Wolff. Quality local restaurateurs including The Crown, The Table, Bespoke Events and Tikka Tonic will cook up a flavour-filled range

Many other pubs and restaurants in and around Woodbridge are embracing the Shuck and supporting local produce by having their own Shuck Specials – themed events, specials and menus during the four day festival. This includes The East Coast Diner’s Surf and Turf Burger, Moules Frites at The Bull Hotel and a spectacular Seafood Platter at The Red Lion.

For the latest news about stall holders, menus and events you can follow the festival on Twitter @ShuckFestival or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/ShuckFestival. For more information please visit: www.thewoodbridgeshuck.org.uk The Woodbridge Shuck Shellfish Festival is an official Fringe Event of the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival.

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NEWS TRANS-ATLANTIC VISITORS ENJOY WOODBRIDGE TIDE MILL

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone.

The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

Woodbridge Tide Mill recently welcomed a group of five guests on an information exchange from Fulton Mill, a Dutch windmill in Fulton, Illinois. During their five-day trip to visit a number of working mills in England, the volunteers spent three of those days in Woodbridge. As well as experiencing the best of the mill and Woodbridge itself they were introduced to Sutton Hoo, Buttrums Mill and Saxtead Green Post Mill.

‘De Immigrant’, as the Dutch windmill is called, was built in May 2000. It mills many types of flour including buckwheat, cornmeal, wheat and rye.

The difference between wind power and tidal power means Fulton Mill does not mill all year like Woodbridge Tide Mill and therefore has to build up reserves of flour and store it through the winter.

The groups shared ideas and information on milling processes, flour storage, visitor attraction, events, fundraising and marketing.

Nigel Barratt, miller and chairman of Woodbridge Tide Mill Trust, explained: “We’ve had a very interesting time with the ladies from Fulton Mill. It has certainly been a thoroughly useful and insightful exchange.

There are many similarities between the two mills and we’ve been sharing ideas on fundraising and ways to increase footfall. The biggest revelation has been around freezing flour which, I’m reassured to add, took an artisan baker by surprise too.”

Chris Harrold, chairman of Choose Woodbridge, added: “The team at the Tide Mill are inspirational in their dedication to protecting and promoting this beautiful piece of Woodbridge’s history. These visits with likeminded groups from other similar projects seem very fruitful – and to have interest all the way from the USA is a testament to the continued success of the Tide Mill.”

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SIXTH FORM

2015 EVENING TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER FROM 6.30PM

01394 615041 | www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk admissions@woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk A part of THE SECKFORD FOUNDATION Registered Charity No 1110964

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL

AUCTION OF PROMISES Ever wanted to go along to an auction and take part in the fun of bidding?

Then why not come along to Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal’s Auction of Promises at The Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge on Friday, October 16 at 7.30pm.

Lots will be many and varied to suit all ages, including a tour of Adnams Brewery, a sailing lesson with picnic lunch, a meerkat encounter, paintings by local artists, a play session at Snakes & Ladders, and many more. The evening will be hosted by auctioneer James Neal and promises to be a night of fun and laughter while raising much needed funds.

So if you fancy coming along to place a bid or just to join in the fun register for your free entry at www.eventbrite.co.uk, call 01473 621104 or email: office@homestartcoastal.co.uk Please note all those wishing to attend must register in advance.

At a recent meeting of the town council, the Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Josh Sayles, presented Libby Brown, head teacher of Kyson Primary School with the title of Honorary Freeman of Woodbridge.

Miss Brown had been nominated by members of the public for being an inspirational teacher and for giving many Woodbridge children the best start in years, ensuring there is a stable community at school where each child is valued as an individual and included in the big ‘family’ at Kyson.

Other Honorary Freeman (12 in total) are: Dr Daly Briscoe (deceased), Mr Don Spall, Mr Peter Bacon, Mr Mike Weaver (deceased), Mr Ron Hepworth MBE, Mr Fred Reynolds, Mrs Dorothy Kellogg BEM, Mrs Betty Richardson, Mr Geoffrey Jacobs, Mr Frank Knights (deceased), Mr David Caddick, Mrs Dorothy Hull (deceased), Mr Don Wesby (deceased), Mr Peter Conway, Mr David Houchell, Mr Gerry Cooper (deceased) and The Reverend Canon Kevan McCormack.

MOBILITY SCOOTER DONATED TO DEBEN VIEW On Saturday, September 12, Woodbridge Royal British Legion presented a mobility scooter to Deben View Very Sheltered Housing which is managed by Orwell Housing Association.

The presentation took place in the main reception lounge at Deben View with a large number of residents attending and was hosted by Mr Michael Skeggs, chairman of the tenants committee, who accepted the scooter from Royal British Legion chairman Mr Roy Bilby and president Mr Peter Taverner. The donation was facilitated by Alan Ramsey who sits on the tenants committee and is a member of Woodbridge Royal British Legion The scooter will be held as a reserve or emergency scooter for use by any resident who has need in the event of their own scooter breaking down or needing to be serviced, or if someone has temporary reduced mobility for any reason.

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All monies raised from the event will go to the charity Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support more than 140 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

BINGO & QUIZ NIGHTS AT WOODBRIDGE TOWN FC Every other Sunday from 7.30pm with quiz nights on October 11 and 25 and bingo on October 4 and 18.

Just turn up or contact John for more information: 01394 385308 The hall is available free for parties, weddings and other events on Fridays and Saturdays in June/July 2016. Maximum capacity 120.

Contact Richard Scott: 01394 385308/380187

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

his experiences with us with an illustrated talk on some famous and less famous attractions, as well as all aspects of Chinese life, such as history culture, food and music.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre and our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 20, starting at 7.15pm. The speaker will be Professor Tom Williamson of UEA who will talk about The Landscape of the Suffolk Sandlings. Tom gave us a brilliant lecture a few years ago on rabbit warrens.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome.

The entrance fee is £2 for each talk. National Trust members/ volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

The November meeting is on Tuesday, November 17 when our speaker will be David Brown.

David has recently been on a tour of China and will be sharing

For more information contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 / www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ILLUSTRATED TALK ON DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TIDE MILL Local historian and expert speaker Mark Mitchels will be delivering a fascinating illustrated talk on The Duke of Wellington at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, October 2, 7.30 for 8pm, to raise valuable funds for Woodbridge Tide Mill. Tickets are £5 and available from the Tide Mill or from: anne.v.barratt@btinternet.com Mark Mitchels offered this teaser to the talk: “Arthur Wellesley transformed the fortunes of the British military during the Peninsula Campaign. His reputation was built on his extraordinary grasp of logistical detail and his determination to offer battle only when he could win. In 1814 the Tsar of Russia told the Duke of Wellington: ‘It is for you to save the world again.’

“At the Battle of Waterloo the Allies were victorious and Europe sent Napoleon to exile and death on St Helena. Unlike his opponent, Wellington did not want his troops’ adoration, just their respect. He got it because it was so richly deserved. And he subsequently went on to become prime minister.”

Nigel Barratt, miller and trustee of Woodbridge Tide Mill, said: “We’re honoured to have Mark speaking, he is a fine story teller and has a wealth of knowledge on this subject. We hope many will come along for a glass of wine and a tale of epic proportions. We’re keen to capitalise on Mark’s skills and knowledge for the benefit of our iconic mill.”

QUIZ NIGHT IN AID OF ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH Our popular quiz night will be held on Friday, October 23 at Woodbridge Community Centre, next to the swimming pool, 6.45 for 7pm.

Teams of up to six people welcome at £4 each. There will be a licensed bar and a raffle, all in aid of St Mary’s Parish Church, Woodbridge.

Please book through the parish office: 01394 388820 / parishoffice@stmaryswoodbridge.org

CHARITY BUFFET DANCE WITH THE ALDERTONES 50/60s night with a charity buffet dance at Woodbridge Football Club on Friday, November 20, 7.30-11.30pm.

For tickets (£10 including buffet) contact: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk Proceeds in aid of Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) which offers free, confidential and impartial advice to disabled people and their carers.

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TRANSPORT THEATRE PRESENTS THE EDGE New Wolsey Theatre, October 8-10

From October 8 to 10, Transport, the critically acclaimed Folkstone-based theatre company behind Invisible, 1001 Nights and Elegy will present a brand new devised production, The Edge, at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.

Inspired by real life narratives taken from the south coast of England and the Sundabans in India and developed in collaboration with leading lecturer in coastal oceanography Dr Ivan Haigh, The Edge is an extensive exploration of climate change and migration. Based on an encounter between two people from different cultures that encompasses myths from the sea, the history of human migration, the formation of rivers and seas, the piece has been devised and directed by Douglas Rintoul and the creative team behind Elegy.

A woman steps into the English Channel. A man is swept up by a great storm in West Bengal. Two decades later their children meet on a beach by an English town that’s been abandoned to the sea. She’s training to swim the Channel. He’s a climate change refugee.

Powerful and poetic, The Edge is a love story between two people from different continents and cultures, connected by weather patterns and the shared experience of a radically changing world.

Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director of Transport Theatre, was awarded the British Council Connections through Culture Award to visit the Sundarbans in West Bengal India where he worked with the Kolkata based theatre company Ranan, drawing real life narratives from an area directly on the frontline of climate change.

The company also worked with young adults in Folkestone, developing an audio and visual work exploring narratives from the Kent Coast. Combining this quantative research from two different continents, Rintoul’s production questions what it really means to live on the geographical edge and explores the universal issue of climate change.

Developed in collaboration with leading lecturer in coastal oceanography Dr Ivan Haigh, with music by award-winning composer Raymond Yiu, The Edge fuses text, movement, music and projection to transport its audience between continents, exploring the place where the sea meets the land.

To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Saturday, October 3, 10am-noon: Wildlife Workshop for Children This will be a practical session for children aged six and over, making houses for bugs and beetles. It will be led by Simon Burnham-Slipper, formerly of Otley College and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The cost is £3 a child at the time of booking at the library desk. Younger children must be supervised and there are very limited places so please book early.

Saturday, October 3, 9am-5pm and Sunday, October 4, 10am-4pm: Sale of ex-library children’s books.

Come and grab a bargain.

Friday, October 9, 7.30pm-9.30pm: Poetry Evening Kate Foley returns to read The Don’t Touch Garden from her recently published book of that title, with music from Sylvia Fairley and Valerie Shelley. Tickets £3 (including a glass of wine) are available at the library counter or on 01394 446510.

Tuesday, October 13, 12.451.15pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library (FOWL) Music at Lunchtime concert by pupils of Woodbridge School. Free entry but donations to the Friends of Woodbridge Library gratefully received.

Saturday, October 17, 10am-noon: Caroline Page, county councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Thursday, October 22, 7.30-9.30pm: Mark Mason talking trivia Find out what the Queen keeps in her handbag, why the Jack Russell has a white coat, and how Jimi Hendrix got confused by the M1! Come along and be delighted and astonished. Tickets £6, with refreshments from Browsers: 01394 388890 Friday, October 23, 2-3pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library activities group meeting For anyone who is interested in becoming an active member of our new events group named FOWLEggs. We meet up approximately once a month for a cup of tea and biscuits to discuss new ways of holding activities or events to help with fundraising for the library. For more information please either come along, email Kellie Dimmock at kellie.dimmock@suffolklibraries. co.uk or contact Woodbridge Library on 01394 446510.

Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 9.30-10.30am: Tiny Talk Baby Signing Musical baby signing classes to develop your baby’s communication skills. For more details contact Sam: 07845 230624 / samh@tinytalk.co.uk

October 1-31: ArtLib This month’s ArtLib exhibition is by Textile Art Group Suffolk.

TAGS was formed in 1993 by a group of Suffolk textile artists.

Members include embroiderers, spinners, weavers, paper makers and quilters with an emphasis on art and experimentation. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at Willowmead Alpaca Centre in Otley. If you are interested in joining TAGS, please visit www.tags.org.uk and read the constitution before contacting Anne-Marie Stewart for further details: 01473 216518 Booked Out: the book and film review show hosted by Woodbridge Library staff is available on the Suffolk Libraries’ website and SoundCloud: www.suffolklibraries. co.uk/bookedout This month guests will be discussing noir film and fiction, a genre of crime literature featuring tough, cynical characters and bleak settings.

If you’d like to get involved or have a suggestion for a future theme, please contact the library or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Book Group Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On October 1 we will be discussing Badgerlands by Patrick Barkham. This group is led by a member of staff. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.

Suffolk Craft Society We now house a permanent display of work by artists in the library. A percentage of the sales from the Artlib and Suffolk Crafts Society go to support Suffolk Libraries.

Free computer help and advice – now available Contact the library to book a session, or to find out more.

Includes: Information about buying and getting connected, computer/

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tablet setup or re-configuration advice, help with specific tasks for more experienced users or taster sessions for absolute beginners.

Remember you can now bring in your own device to access WiFi at the library.

New services at Woodbridge Library We now sell first and second class postage stamps. We can now scan to email or USB for 30p, copy A4 documents in colour for 30p and you can print in the library from your own device: 10p black and white and 30p colour per A4 sheet.

We now have Chromebook laptops that you can use anywhere in the library free of charge for two hours and we sell 4GB USB cards for £5 that can be used on our new Chromebase and Chromebook computers.

Citizens Advice Bureau Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Flagship Someone from Flagship is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? Please email Jeannie@butterwicks.com to open doors to creative writing.

Woodbridge Novelists’ Group Meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 10am-noon.

This group, for “committed writers aiming to be published”, wants to recruit an extra member. It aims to provide friendly feedback on members’ writing and explore topics related to creative writing and publication. If you are interested please contact Lawrence Richardson at: woodbridgenovelwriters@gmail. com

Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters from expert to beginners, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips

Drawing Group Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Each month this group explores a different aspect of drawing. No experience necessary but numbers are limited and this group is currently full. A voluntary

contribution of £2 goes towards the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Arts and Crafts Group Meets second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling.

Play Reading Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in for an afternoon of lighthearted drama, comedy or mystery.

All welcome.

Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes.

Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes.

Woodbridge Area Gamers Meets on the second Saturday of each month 1-5pm in the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room. This group plays modern strategy board games (Carcassonne, Powergrid, Caylus, 7 Wonders, Hey! That’s My Fish, Blokus, and many more).

For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or see details on: www. boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Every Wednesday • 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.

• 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers.

Every Friday • 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult.

Every Sunday • 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities Also see Tiny Talk Baby Signing above.

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OUT & ABOUT RUSHMERE RUKUS A very big thank you to everyone who supported the recent fundraiser at Rushmere Community Hub and to all the helpers who gave up their afternoon. Special thanks to the band RUKUS, to Barry (a.k.a. Elvis) and our Zumba dancer Erin for generously giving their time for free, and to the community police for bringing a police car and tractor and the fire service for bringing the fire engine. Lastly, thank you to the Vulcan Riders and Parkeston MCC for displaying their bikes. We were very disappointed when Zoo-tastic and the hog-roast man didn’t show up but managed a quick oven cook

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

BBQ so at least everyone got fed!

A super afternoon, great feedback, everyone loved the band so hopefully we can organise a similar event next year.

Grant applications Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups.

Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016.

Our next fundraiser is our Winter Fayre on Saturday, November 21, 10.30am-2.30pm, at the hub on Humber Doucy Lane. Tables can now be reserved at £7 each.

Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities.

Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

The hub is also now available for private hire at very reasonable rates. Please call 720488 or pop in to make a reservation.

Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG

Trudie Larter

TUESDAY EVENING BINGO

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

Bingo every Tuesday evening from 7.45pm at the Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge. Run by Woodbridge Community Council.

Each club president nominates a charity which she wishes to support during her year of office. Our president, Kay Hirst, disclosed that four years ago her life was saved by an ambulance and, knowing from personal experience the importance of first responders, this year she has chosen to support the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), a charity providing a helicopter emergency service for the people of East Anglia.

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM FUNDRAISING EVENT In order to raise funds to cover the cost of moving Woodbridge Museum to its new site, the Friends of Woodbridge Museum are holding a quiz and luxury ploughman’s supper on Thursday, October 8 at Woodbridge Community Hall at 6.45pm.

Teams will comprise not more than six. Tickets are £10 from Anne Merrett: 01394 385572 / amerrett@farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET Saturdays, October 10 & 24, Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm The market brings together under one roof a wide range of producers, selling truly local foods at competitive prices. There are around 20 regular stallholders who come to each market. You can choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and herbs, fish, breads, pies and cakes, preserves and sauces, fresh coffee and loose teas and also plants for your garden. Most stalls are run by the producers themselves who are passionate about sharing their produce and information about it with their customers. Many stalls will let you have a sample to try before you buy and prices are very competitive for such fresh, local produce.

We now have an emailing list that enables us to contact customers before each market to inform them about special offers and new seasonal products. If you’d like to join this list please let us know by emailing us at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to the Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Foods Market very soon.

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Fundraising manager Nigel Donkin told club members that the service was launched in 2000 following Frankie Dettori’s accident at Newmarket.

Today it operates two high-tech helicopters serving the four counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and from May 2013 became the first air ambulance in the country to attend emergency incidents during the hours of darkness. The service provides a team of highly trained critical care paramedics and doctors who provide a lifesaving capability on scene. Such high-tech equipment and personnel does not come cheap at approximately £8.6million per year with each mission costing on average £2,800, including £200 per hour for fuel alone.

The service receives no regular government funding and is financed through corporate sponsorship, an EAAA Lottery, legacies, donations, collections, events and community fundraising. To support this vital service Inner Wheel are holding a fashion show featuring Adam’s Apple and Country Casuals on Wednesday, November 11 at Woodbridge Football Club, Fynn Road, 2.30-4.30pm. Tickets are £7 to include refreshments and are available from Daphne Rayment (01473 623486) or Hamilton Smith, Church Street, Woodbridge.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Crafters Unlimited is a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Our next meeting is: Thursday, October 22: Ribbon Xmas Trees (Emma) There are always other projects available.

New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT We have a busy autumn ahead!

With the nights drawing in and leaves beginning to fall, thoughts turn to the Martlesham 10k which takes place on October 11.

This year’s event will be even bigger with the addition of a 5k race alongside the Fun Run and the showpiece 10k. With runners looking for an end of season personal best, the races are always keenly contested.

The Fun Run gives younger and less experienced runners the chance to enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie of a major competitive event. As well as being a major fundraiser, the event has grown over the years and has become a great family event for spectators and competitors alike.

No description of the event would be complete without mention of the Pavilion cafe and the renowned homemade cakes! Indeed many people claim they come along for those alone.

Our thanks to Richard Smith and Felixstowe Road Runners who once again will manage the races. For full details and entry forms visit: http://frr.org.uk/events-and-results-2/club-events/martlesham-10k As if this weren’t enough we will also be joining other Lions’ Clubs in South Suffolk to host a swimming gala for young people and adults with learning difficulties. It is always an enjoyable event. The enthusiasm of the swimmers has to be seen to be believed – the wide grins on their faces stay in place even under water. The social side isn’t neglected and we look forward to celebrating a certain Lion’s landmark birthday with an evening of traditional pub games.

For more about who we are and what we do, please visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk or call 0845 833 2820.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our next meeting and lecture on October 7 will feature Stephen Taylor who will talk on Walter Richard Sickert, a very public and very private painter. Stephen Taylor is a professional painter specialising in landscapes. He exhibits extensively and lectures in colleges and universities.

On a lovely September afternoon the society began the new season with a topical theme. In this the 200th anniversary year of the Battle of Waterloo, Peter Warwick gave a fascinating talk entitled The Art of Waterloo. This was a history lesson illustrated by wonderful art. Peter led us through the protagonists and the path of events, concluding with the great battle itself. A truly riveting talk and a great start to our season!

This season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks to support all tastes, including lectures on the Duc du Berry, on medieval

Easter celebrations, on the Queen Mother and her art interests, on the world of Grayson Perry... and much more.

We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures last about an hour and are presented by national and international lecturers. We are a friendly group who meet on the first Wednesday of the month for nine lectures each year, and we also organise interesting day visits.

Guests and non-members are also welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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MARTLESHAM WI Nursing Round the World is the intriguing title of the talk by Margaret Woodley at our October meeting, a subject that should appeal to many people. This will be our second meeting as an afternoon WI, so do come along if this new time is good for you. We welcome visitors and prospective members at any of our meetings. The next meeting is on Friday, October 16 at 2pm in the Richards Room.

By the time you read this we shall have enjoyed the Federation picnic at Glemham Hall, when we celebrate the WI’s official 100th birthday on WI Day. There will be lots to see and do and we just hope the weather is kind. Then we shall be looking forward to autumn events and the always interesting Which Resolution when we discuss the matters we would like debated at the AGM of the National Federation next June. The WI is an influential organisation and politicians take us lightly at their peril – remember Tony Blair when he underestimated us! Then there is an afternoon with Mark Mitchells, so a treat in store there – and carols at St Mary le Tower (sorry to mention Christmas so soon but this is a popular event and tickets need to be ordered early).

For more information contact our secretary, Anne: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY

The next meeting is on Monday, October 19 when Jo Caruth, senior project officer at Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service, will present a talk entitled The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Lakenheath.

Jo was very lucky to be part of the archaeological team that discovered a warrior, who is thought to have died about AD 500 at RAF Lakenheath in 1997 with a horse, bridle, sword and shield, complete with gilded bronze bridle fittings. Come along an here about this fascinating discovery.

Meetings are held at Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

Kim Quinton

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN COMEDY TONITE Tickets are still available for our charity concert at the Seckford Theatre on Saturday, October 17.

The show, entitled Comedy Tonite, promises an evening of musical fun presented by Gordon Peters of Dad’s Army and One Foot In The Grave.

Tickets are £15, with half the profits going to Woolverstone McMillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital, and are available on: 01473 620560 / 01394 386933 MEMORY CAFÉ Our Memory Cafe, run in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Woodbridge, continues to flourish. The cafe, which is for dementia sufferers and their carers, takes place at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of the month, and we welcome new visitors. Refreshments are provided free of charge and we have occasional musical entertainment.

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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB

U3A NEW SEASON LAUNCHED

Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, September 14 at the Ufford Park Hotel. After a convivial drink and lunch we heard a fascinating talk by two officers from the Army Air Corps at Wattisham. They covered operations at the airfield and the remarkable Apache helicopter which they fly. Both pilots had completed operational tours in Afghanistan and gained our admiration for their modesty and bravery in their actions in the war. We felt very privileged to have them visit us between exercises: they had recently returned from a spell in northern England and are soon to depart for a detachment overseas. Overall, it was an extremely informative and enjoyable afternoon.

The new programme of meetings and activities for U3A (University of the Third Age) members was launched at the Re-Freshers Fair held at the beginning of September. Members were able to sign up to join any of the 130 interest groups ranging from garden visits and French conversation to climate change and local history. There were plenty of visitors, many of whom joined after seeing how much was on offer, including a programme of monthly meetings at Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Saxmundham and Felixstowe, with speakers on a range of topics. Visitors wanting to know more about U3A, the unique organisation for retired people who share their knowledge and experience, are very welcome to attend one of the meetings.

Would you like to meet like-minded, similar aged people in the local area? The Kyson Probus Club provides a forum for retired or semi-retired business or professional men in a friendly setting. We meet on the second Monday of each month, 12.30 for 1pm, at the Ufford Park Hotel where we have a drink followed by lunch and a speaker. The meetings usually finish by around 3pm.

Why not come along and enjoy a convivial few hours and meet some new and interesting people?

For futher information, please call the secretary, Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866

SOROPTIMIST CLUB OF IPSWICH AND DISTRICT We started our autumn programme with a supper followed by a talk on personal safety for women. We don’t always have supper but usually divide our monthly meeting into two halves.

– in the first half a speaker or a discussion, in the second what we call ‘business’.

‘Business’ might sound a bit off-putting until you look at what it covers. Our September agenda included planning a letter to local MPs about the proposed closure of the magistrates’ courts in Lowestoft and Bury; discussing widening the scope of the bursary which we offer to disadvantaged women who want to undertake some education or training; deciding on our club vote for the chair of a national committee.

That last item is quite a significant pointer to how Soroptimism works. What matters is the voice of the individual members in their local club so we are frequently asked to send in our views and votes on things like policies, projects, campaigns and appointments to leadership roles. A system like ours is ambitious and could run the risk of becoming a bit bureaucratic, but there has been a lot of streamlining lately and modern communication technologies help.

We recognise that individual members will give very different levels of commitment to our own projects and to the wider organisation.

In particular we assure younger members, who are already juggling careers and family, that it is fine to come and enjoy the interest and friendship of the club and to do just as much or as little as they feel they can for the moment. Later on things will change.

If you would like to know more about Soroptimism or visit one of our meetings please do contact Jackie: 01473 659314

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The Ipswich season starts on Monday, October 26 at Kesgrave Community Centre, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF with a talk by Katie Ward entitled Greed, Sex and Death – Art in the Dutch Golden Age which will explore the hidden messages in the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt and their contemporaries.

To find out more visit www.u3aineastsuffolk.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01473 273395.

WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB September was the final month of the club’s summer-long exhibition.

It has been a successful summer with some new innovations such as the Creating Art weekend when as part of the Woodbridge Art and Music Event we opened the studio so that visitors could watch and talk to some of the potters, painters and lace makers as they worked. This was so much enjoyed by all concerned that we hope to hold similar events next year to coincide with some of Woodbridge’s various summer festivals. Watch this space for further information as time goes by.

However, before that we shall be re-opening from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout November, when you will be able to find some suitable Christmas gifts, from inexpensive stocking fillers such as pottery earrings or a comic sculpture, a lace bowl or bookmark or perhaps a future masterpiece of a painting. Or just come in from the cold and browse around.

Look forward to seeing you any Saturday or Sunday in November between 10am and 4pm.

The New Horizons Club: RISING FROM THE ASHES The New Horizons Club has been resurrected thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of a group of determined volunteers.

The club was forced to close in June, but there is a real need for such a group in the Woodbridge area and both the workers and the clients are thrilled that the club is reforming.

From October 1 the club will be meeting weekly on Thursdays from 10am-2pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP. People over the age of 55

who live in Woodbridge and the surrounding villages are invited to come along and join us. There will be a range of activities including art, crafts, entertainment and slide shows.

Refreshments and a twocourse home-cooked meal will be included in the cost of £8 per session. Transport may be available for a small additional fee.

For more information, please call 07514 364752 and speak to Brenda or Pam.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE CHARITY GOLF DAY RAISES £5,000 FOR LOCAL CAUSES The Rotary Club of Woodbridge organised and promoted a charity golf day which took place at Woodbridge Golf Club on Tuesday, June 30 in aid of Riding for the Disabled (Hollesley Group), Macmillan Nurses, Home-Start Suffolk – East Ipswich and Coastal and the Seckford Foundation Springboard. Woodbridge Golf Club kindly donated the day – a considerable contribution given the club’s popularity during peak season.

Receiving the cheque at Woodbridge Golf Club were (pictured l-r): Ladies Captain Rita Bird, Men’s Captain Joe Malone, Chris Leggett from Riding for the Disabled, Diane Milan from Home-Start, David Houchell from the Rotary Club of Woodbridge, Sean Clark, secretary of Woodbridge Golf Club and Margaret Featherston from Macmillan Nurses.

Teams from all over the county enjoyed a wonderful day’s golf in excellent weather, competing in an 18-hole Stableford and nine-

hole Texas Scramble. In addition to sponsorship and entry fees, longest drive, nearest the pin competitions, a pro’s challenge and a raffle raised further monies

Congratulations to Corinne Beaumont who won the lucky draw, a cycling jacket donated by Pedal Power at Martlesham Heath.

We would like to thank the Pavilion Cafe on Kingston Field for kindly offering the use of their café as the registration area, keeping Rotarians suitably refreshed and their kind donation of £50 towards the Teenage Cancer Trust.

David Houchell of the Rotary Club commented: “On the day itself it was the Park Properties team (pictured above) lead by Mr Wakefield who topped the table, but ultimately it was the charities that won the day. Woodbridge Rotary is just a part of it so I would like to thank Woodbridge Golf Club, Woodbridge School and all the generous sponsors and volunteers who gave time and cash to make this day such a success.”

ANNUAL CHARITY CYCLE RIDE The Rotary Club of Woodbridge held their third annual charity cycle ride on Saturday, September 5 in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Around 50 excited cyclists set of from, and eventually returned to, Kingston Field, having selected one of two routes: 50km crossing the River Deben at Bawdsey and 100km going as

LIFE IS ABOUT OVERCOMING CHALLENGES What’s on your bucket list, the list of achievements and challenges you feel you must do one day?

I’ve recently ticked off one of mine and I felt a real boost. It took five years and a lot of practise and preparation and, with the help of friends, I did it at the first attempt. And I have the certificate to prove it. (Not every challenge takes that long! It all depends on you and your goals.)

Speaking in public is on many people’s list of challenges. Speaking with confidence is a useful skill whatever your age or background. On the phone, to a group of friends, to your boss and work colleagues or to a club meeting or charity fundraising event, perhaps at an important time like a close friend’s or relative’s wedding.

Do you have a go? Do you ever feel that you could do it better? Do you want to improve your speaking style,

make technical presentations more memorable, sales meetings more punchy or after-dinner talks more entertaining?

Ask your boss for a raise (and get it)?

Persuade your friends to support a charity? Even talking on the phone is more satisfying when you get to the point and keep calls brief when time is at a premium.

What makes you a better speaker is regular practise and constructive feedback, and there is nowhere better to practise than Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly local speakers’ club. We meet from 7-9.30pm on alternate Thursdays: October 8 and 22 and November 5 are our next dates. Everyone is welcome. Come free as a guest.

To find our more visit www.speak-easy. org.uk, Facebook or Twitter, or call 07968 372563.

Sonya Burrows

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far north as Metfield. The routes are selected to make it a family, fun and enjoyable day or a test for the more competent cyclist. The race was started by Terry Hunt, editor of the EADT and Evening Star.

The club estimates that about £600 will be donated to The Teenage Cancer Trust and it intends to build on this year’s success by holding next year’s ride on the weekend of September 3 or 4. Full details will be issued early next year If you wish to make a donation to the trust or want to find out more about Rotary, please contact: adam.thorpe36@btinternet / r.pivett128@btinternet.com

WOODBRIDGE AND DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD Were you ever a brownie, guide, or involved in the girl guiding movement in any way, or are you interested in finding out about girl guiding?

If so, are you aware Woodbridge and District Trefoil Guild meet at St Mary’s House, Market Hill Woodbridge on the first Tuesday of each month from 2.30-4.30pm?

Our next meeting dates are October 6 and November 3.

Our aim is to have fun and offer friendship. We have interesting speakers, go on outings and often enjoy food together. We also help out at guiding unit meetings or at guiding events from time to time.

If you are interested in finding out more contact Gill Girling: 01473 735502

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OUT & ABOUT RNLI WOODBRIDGE BRANCH Volunteers from Woodbridge RNLI Branch took to the streets of Woodbridge recently as part of the national RNLI Flag Day and raised £727.33 for the charity that saves lives at sea.

The RNLI Flag Day is an annual event where volunteer crew members and fundraisers undertake a local collection on behalf of the RNLI. Tony Wilman, chairman of the branch, said: “I would like to thank all of our fundraisers who were stationed along the Thoroughfare on one of the hottest days of the year.

Once again the RNLI was very well supported by local people and as ever, we are extremely grateful.”

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Local bee keeper and enthusiast Jeremy Quinlan will be creating quite a buzz when he gives a talk entitled Bees and Fliers at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, October 15, at 7.30pm.

The talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and chairman Phil Smith said: “We open our series of autumn talks with a subject that is of great interest and concern to anyone interested in the natural world. Jeremy is an experienced bee keeper with a great enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, his subject and this promises to be a very interesting evening.”

Admission to the evening is £2.50 for adults with children under 16 free. There will be light refreshments served and a raffle. The evening is open to all. For more information please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outloook.com

WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FLOWER SHOW REPORT

Show chairman John Dyter thanked everyone for their support and hoped next year’s show will be equally successful.

This year’s annual flower and produce was held on Saturday, July 4 in the community hall and was well supported by members and the residents of Woodbridge.

Bulbs for the Garden: A talk by Ian Matthew Long of Riverside Bulbs Monks Eleigh

Flowers of many colours and types were on view along with vegetables, handicrafts, photographs, baking classes and preserves. There were also children’s classes for various age groups with pasta necklaces being a popular entry. Every class was judged during the morning in time for the public view at 1pm.

Members of the society attended the first meeting of the autumn programme at the community hall on Thursday, September 8 to hear a talk by Matthew Long entitled Bulbs for the Garden. He emphasised that bulbs, which are tender, rare, need protection or are being accessed by the RHS, are not suitable for the ordinary amateur gardener.

Having looked at all the entries, many people sat and enjoyed tea and cake while the raffle was drawn and the highlight of the afternoon, the awards ceremony. The winners were:

Gardeners often forget bulbs being monocots need their leaves to feed the bulb in order to produce a flower. Commercial growers mostly in Holland lavish care, fertiliser and water on their crops to produce large healthy bulbs to sell to the public.

The Bristol Vase Mrs C Spence RHS Banksian Medal Alan Ripley The Bull Hotel Rose Bowl Mrs S Griffin Pat Ashton Trophy Mrs C Steel Carthew Challenge Bowl Mrs P Albertini George Andrews Cup Mrs C Steel The Reade Challenge Cup Mrs R Hooper James Girling Cup Mrs F Davies Woodbridge Steeplechase Challenge Cup David Bryant Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce Cup Mrs J Harris The Muriel Shipman Cup Mrs B Kirby Heywood Challenge Cup Mrs J Harris Eric Harvey Cup Mrs M Ball Shelcot Challenge Cup Mrs E Castle Potato Championship Millennium Trophy Mr A Ripley Woodbridge Bowls Challenge Cup Mr J Brown Mary Whitbread Trophy Mr A Glocking The Muriel Shipman Bowl Mrs C Warren RHS Bronze Medal Mr D Bryant The Bridgeway Pewter Tankard Mrs J Glaister The Morse Bowl Mrs K Yule John Loder Challenge Cup Mrs J Hill The Goldsmith Challenge Cup Miss D Sellers EA Maddison Junior Cup Miss D Sellars Lily Fairweather Challenge Cup Master H Cowells EA Maddison Intermediate Cup Master H Cowells

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Bulbs occur in six different plant families from daffodils, iris to dahlias, there is a very wide choice of varieties; in fact, there are 10,000 varieties of dahlia alone but fortunately only about 300 are sold commercially.

They range from varieties with 12” flower heads used in wedding bouquets to the border dahlia imperialias that grow to 12 feet tall.

Matthew pointed out there is confusion about the varieties in some groups of bulbs and currently the RHS are running a colchicum trial at Hyde Hall in Essex to try and establish which varieties are correctly named.

Colchicums are followed by crocus, winter aconites and cyclamen before we reach the snowdrops of early spring. The next flowers in the calendar are dwarf iris, Dutch crocus and muscari before the fritilarias come into bloom. Fritilarias along with camasia can be grown in grass meadows to produce a flowering meadow effect. Matthew pressed on through aroids (cobra lilli), tulips and alliums via narcissi to end up with dahlias. Before members departed, they were able to buy some of the many bulbs Matthew had talked about.

The next indoor meeting of Woodbridge Horticultural Society is on October 8, and will be a buffet supper to be held at Woodbridge Football Club. www.woodbridge-hs.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB

On September 7 members, husbands and friends boarded a coach and made our way to lunch at the Dark Horse in Stowlangtoft for our annual outing. It really was in the wilds, but with careful planning from our tour organisers we arrived on time and were greeted by our host, Paul. We had a very enjoyable lunch in beautiful surroundings and all agreed that we had really found a ‘dark horse’!

After lunch we travelled on to Fullers Mill Garden at West Stow and again we were met by our host, Bernard Tickner, a 91-years-young gentleman who has spent the last 50 years creating his most wonderful garden. We were able to walk around the seven acre grounds and he was pleased to join us and tell us many fascinating stories of how and where he had obtained the plants. After a very welcome cup of tea and a slice of delicious homemade cake we again joined the coach and made our way home. The weather was very kind to us and it was a very splendid day.

On September 14, Alan Smith presented a demonstration entitled September Song.

Our next meeting is at 2pm on Monday, October 12 when Ann Bell from Dunmow will present a demonstration entitled From Me to You. Ann is no stranger to our club and I know we will be in for a great afternoon.

Ipswich Flower Club meets on the second Monday of the month (excluding January) at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, from 2-4pm. We are a flower club of all ages with a common love of flowers and flower arranging. We are affiliated to NAFAS and have a demonstrator each month as well as a monthly practise class.

If you would like to join us, please just turn up and you will be made most welcome. If you have any queries or would like further information, please telephone Sylvia on (719893) or Angie (210956).

AUTUMN AT BRIGHT STARS As we head into autumn the sun may not shine as often as during the summer months, but if you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like to brighten up your week why not come along to Bright Stars? We meet at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL, and welcome all pre-school age children to come along with their parents and/or carers.

Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship. For example we do crafts of all kinds, singing, storytelling and play games.The half-hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon.

Why not come and visit us this autumn? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you!

The session dates for the autumn term 2015 are: October 12, November 9 and 23 and December 14.

For further information please contact one of the Bright Stars team: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729; Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196; Sue Lambert, 01473 624130

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB The first meeting of the club’s new season was held on Tuesday, September 8. Our demonstrator, Jan Law, assisted by her husband Ken, gave us a colourful demonstration entitled Proud to be British.

Jan worked her way through British history, portraying well known figures and events. Grace Darling was interpreted using a lovely piece of driftwood reminiscent of a wave and blue and white flowers representing the sea, The Great Fire of London with fiery red and orange roses and carnations, the British Museum, Glynbourne, and a beautiful basket of spray roses for Chelsea Flower Show. Her finale was a red white and blue arrangement to represent our Union Flag. Jan used some interesting and unusual flowers along with beautiful foliage from her garden and allotment. Seven lucky members won the arrangements in the raffle and all enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 13 at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU, when Margot Cooper from Wanstead London will present a demonstration entitled Floral Friends.

Visitors are always welcome for just £4. If you would like directions or further information please email: wa@sandlings.co.uk

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SPORTS WOODBRIDGE WARRIORS Friendly match: Woodbridge Warriors 3 v S Woodham Ferrers 40 Saturday, September 12

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB The club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formation with a sail past the clubhouse on the river walk. Twenty boats took part on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend but conditions were such that most had to motor, although the oldest boat in the fleet, Clytie, did manage to sail up to the tide mill and then back to her moorings at Waldringfield.

It was an impressive sight with boats ‘dressed overall’ and for the most part the weather remained dry. However, this was not the case on Monday when the club held its annual barbecue. Hopes of basking in the sunshine on the new balcony were dashed and instead an old spinnaker was rigged to give some protection from the rain for both the chefs and the diners. Nonetheless it was a fun day and more than 100 people were lavishly catered for by Janet Sparrow.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of Charles Notcutt who played his first Woodbridge Rugby Club game on January 28, 1969 against a team of Woodbridge School masters. He became club president in the early 1970s and remained a supporter of the club until his death recently.

Play opened in the spirited fashion befitting an early season friendly.

South Woodham Ferrers, who had bought two teams, is two leagues ahead of Woodbridge in the London leagues and it showed its pedigree with pressure from the off. Fly-half Keane spread possession to centres Suka and Kerslake to force the Warriors into early defence which despite good man-marking saw scrum half Dukelow dive over five minutes from kick off. Captain Stokes charged from the restart forcing a penalty for holding on and allowing Jamie Smith to claw three points back.

As expected against a senior side, set pieces caused Woodbridge problems as Woodham’s energetic scrum drove hard and, when not penalised, secured ball for renewed sorties from their flankers. Lineouts were a similar challenge with Woodham clearly favouring the maul.

However, Woodbridge resisted better as the game went on, letting the visitors be penalised in the scrum and improving at the throw-ins, Olly Gray taking some corkers. JP Hart was a real asset in clearing lines deep into enemy territory when the Warriors won penalties or turned the visitors over. One or two home opportunities occurred, Jacob Bodkin overcooking a kick-through after a great run, but were rebuffed by a frequently-refreshed opposition defence as both teams used unlimited subs. Late in the half one such opportunity was cleared downfield for a couple of scrums on the Woodbridge five metre line building an attack and eventually No8 Peta scored making it 3-12 at the break.

Musical entertainment was provided by the accomplished Jazzbyrd+Co who played some interesting and varied jazz numbers and even managed to entice one member to take to the dance floor, although alcohol might also have played a part. Once again the weather tried to spoil the party, but thanks to a lot of effort by several people and the stoicism of ‘the Brits’, it failed.

The main cruise in August to Limehouse Basin on the Thames was organised by Mike and Marion Garnet and it attracted a good turnout.

After a night at Queenborough the fleet took the tide up the Thames but arrived early and had an uncomfortable hour’s wait for the lock – but no harm was done and the gates finally opened to let us in.

The berthing pontoon is directly beneath the Dockland Light Railway which although not as unpleasant as it might sound was none the less an unusual experience. Crews had time to enjoy some of the capital’s attractions before leaving on the homeward leg of the cruise.

After some confusion as to when they were due to leave they finally departed for Chatham and met the clippers which were assembling at St Katherine’s Dock for the start of the round the world race. It was interesting and exciting to see these very specialised yachts close to, but I don’t think anyone was anxious to change places.

By the time this is published organised sailing will have finished for the season and club members will be concentrating on the social side of the club and maintenance of their boats. Despite a windier year than usual all cruises have gone ahead, sometimes with last minute rescheduling, but virtually as planned, and all have been well attended which is very gratifying for those who did all the organisation.

If you are interested in finding out more about the club, or attending one of the RYA training courses please visit: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

The second half stretched the difference between the teams with high balls testing the hosts and pressure from the start. A free kick proved no help as Woodham repeatedly attacked, drawing defence and then moving wide for full back Reeve to score. Five minutes later a similar measured move worked the ball out again to prop Gittos who scored under the post.

Woodbridge reacted with Bond and Crowther leading a counter charge which resulted in the longest Warrior attack, Stokes rallying his men who won a line-out against the head, but Reeve intercepted and kicked through for substitute No18 to score. A similar move occurred five minutes later and winger Namani scored. Woodbridge held for the rest of the half, Bodkin having another good run at the Woodham defence, but despite a committed effort the score stayed at 3-40 with both teams getting a good training run-out for the season ahead.

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SPORTS MELTON BOWLS CLUB start to finish and carded a superb 58 points, finishing ahead of Tony Cook, Mary and Owen Brown on 52 points with Ben Carter, Derick Sharp and Peter Moyes back in third place with 44 points.

Darrell Howard, the sponsor of Melton Bowls Club Happy Haddock Tournament, centre, presenting the winners’ trophy to Graham Martin and his partners Barry Clamp and John Carter on the left with runners up Tony Cook, Owen and Mary Brown to the right

Melton Bowls Club’s invitation Happy Haddock Triples Tournament was won this year by Barry Clamp, John Carter and Graham Martin from the Newton Road Bowls Club. They led from

This popular event, sponsored by Darrell Howard, attracted a full entry of 72 bowlers again and Melton’s bowls green was, as usual, in excellent condition with play of the highest standard on a superb playing surface.

With one game remaining for each team, only three of the 24 teams were unbeaten and in contention to take the trophy. Graham Martin’s triple on 42 points held a three-point lead over the team led by Maureen Milldown with the triple of Owen Brown a further point adrift.

picking up maximum points against Ian Saunders to establish an unbeatable lead and leaving the rest to fight for the minor places. A poor last game by Milldown’s triple against Sue Williams meant they finished back in seventh place with 41 points. Owen Brown’s team had an excellent win in their last game against Ken Frost, carding a very good total of 52 points, which would have normally been enough to win but had to settle for second on this occasion. Peter Moyes’ triple was in a group of teams who had all lost only one game and they had a good last game to snatch third place.

The sponsor, Darrell Howard, presented the trophy and prizes at the completion of the tournament.

Ray Andrews

Martin’s team had an outstanding last game

BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR AT WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB The season winds to a close and the last drive took place on Sunday, September 13, after which the green was ‘put to bed’.

Greenkeeper Malcom Ord and his band of volunteers apply their magic in order that we have a green worthy of the club next season.

It’s been a strange season what with the cold spring, the wet summer and the early appearance of autumn. A season more for reflection than complete satisfaction.

There have, of course, been high points: the visit of The Royal Household Bowls Club, our ladies triple team representing the county at national Level. The successful President’s Day and finals weekend also spring to mind. Mention too must be made of Trish Webber who substituted for an indisposed Pam Jackson at the national

championship. The ladies were defeated at the knockout stage of the tournament.

Our picture shows them ‘enjoying’ the invigorating climate of Skegness!

A little worrying is the closure of so many municipal greens as councils struggle with decreasing budgets. This means exposure to the game is more limited and will lead to even fewer people taking up the sport.

At Woodbridge we offer discounts for younger players joining and we could do with a few more taking advantage of this.

There are openings at all levels with a good mix of league games and social bowling.

Details of membership can be found at: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk Or contact me, Anthony Bynom, at: malfrazy@yahoo.com

l-r: Trish Webber, Maggie Page and Kathy James, by Maria Lestrange

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL Throughout the summer season Ipswich Ravens have been hosting free volleyball sessions every Saturday afternoon in Christchurch Park. The sessions have been terrifically popular with no less than 23 adults and 18 children getting a taste of volleyball for the first time, completely free. If you missed them, where were you? You missed all the fun!

Meanwhile several of our more experienced players also attended outdoor volleyball tournaments across East Anglia, in places as far a field as Clacton, Lowestoft and Cambridge, in addition to the new weekly beach format tournament being held at Copleston School Ipswich. We also entered two teams in the Suffolk Open held in Stowmarket. Both teams performed well with the A team finishing fourth out of seven in Division 1, and the B team finishing a surprise seventh out of 21 in quite a strong Division 2.

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But with the start of autumn we are now turning our attention to the indoor season, where we will once again be holding weekly sessions of playing and coaching at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. These take place every Saturday from 2-4pm. If you are interested in giving them a try, whether as a complete beginner or an experienced player, now is the ideal time to join the players who started during the summer and have found out for themselves that volleyball is great fun, and really good exercise too.

Ipswich Ravens welcomes male and female players, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them highly enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

Are you Active or Passive?

Anne from Great Blakenham asks: “I keep seeing articles about passive ‘tracker’ funds and actively managed funds. Is active fund management better than passive fund management, and what’s the difference?”

One of the most fundamental and enduring debates within the world of investments is over the issue of whether active fund management is better than passive fund management.

Passive fund managers buy and hold portfolios that are designed to replicate the market, or part of it. By buying each stock in an index, or a broad representation of the stocks in an index, passive managers generally deliver returns that match their index, so in theory at least there will be no nasty surprises. A passive fund might track a particular sector, such as the FTSE 100 or the FTSE 250, or it might be the benchmark for a particular asset class, such as corporate bonds or property, or it might just track an asset, like precious metals or other natural resources.

Passive investing advocates argue that markets are efficient - that is, that the market takes into account all the available information about any particular security and prices it accordingly. So they believe there is little room to take advantage of mis-pricing because prices already reflect true value.

However, the proponents of active management argue that the market is not completely efficient, allowing smart investment managers to beat the market. Active managers seek to build portfolios that outperform a market benchmark, usually through a combination of stock selection and market timing. In some years, some active managers will succeed in outperforming their benchmark, while others will fail. A small number do beat the market on a regular basis.

At Plumb Financial Services, we believe that holding a combination of both active and passive managed funds will provide the best opportunity for longer-term investment growth.

We offer our clients a range of model portfolios that usually contain Multi-Asset or Multi-Manager funds. The portfolios are usually split 50/50 between a passive fund and an active fund within that investor’s given risk profile. Each fund will typically contain up to 20 other individual funds within it, giving the investor access to around 40 funds in an economical format. Although they will be invested in just two main funds, their portfolio will actually contain a wide spread of investment assets spread over several geographic areas, providing diversity and reducing volatility.

No single fund manager is the top performer in all investment sectors and most fund managers have their specialist sectors or a sector in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where the Multi-Manager and Multi-Asset funds come into their own, as the fund manager can cherry pick the best funds and assets for his or her portfolio.

Holding both active and passive portfolios will give the individual investor a balance between the passive and active positions, both of which are constantly managed to suit the identified risk profile of the investor at all times. We believe that this gives an investor the best opportunity to benefit from both styles of fund management within their identified risk profile, thus increasing the chances of better returns over the longerterm.

In other words, having a ‘bit of both’ is probably the best investment strategy.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

LITERACY BOOST FOR SUFFOLK LIBRARIES Suffolk Libraries is aiming to increase the positive impact that the county’s library service has on children’s literacy thanks to the arrival of a new member of staff who will be working directly with schools.

Matt Shenton has joined Suffolk Libraries as the new Literacy Ambassador – a post funded from a successful bid to the Foyle Foundation.

Matt will work with schools and other organisations to promote the benefits of library use and with an aim for all Year-7 children across the county to have their own library card. Matt will also be visiting schools and working with other organisations to develop the benefits

Matt said: “I’m thrilled about taking up this new position. I believe the library service can make a big impact on children’s literacy and I think that by working together with schools and other organisations we can help to ensure that every child and young person is reaching their potential and I’m looking forward to focusing on helping children who could benefit more from being a member of the library service.”

Suffolk Libraries’ Literacy Project has been funded by a grant of £30,000 from the Foyle Foundation which is an independent grantmaking trust which awards funding to charitable organisations

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involved with arts and learning. Matt has joined Suffolk Libraries from the Four Dwellings Academy in Quinton, Birmingham where he was School Librarian and Head of Key Stage 3.

SUFFOLK LIBRARIES EXPANDS eLIBRARY TO INCLUDE MAGAZINES

Suffolk Libraries customers can now access free downloadable electronic magazines as well as eBooks, eAudio books and music.

Anyone with a Suffolk Libraries card can now access the Zinio service which provides access to a range of popular downloadable magazines including: BBC Good Food, BBC Music, BBC Top Gear, Amateur Gardening, Elle, Empire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Mojo, Q, Men’s Health and Women’s Health.

You can download and read magazines on a computer or there is also an app. All you need to log in and access the service is a library card number. Customers can download as many magazines as they can fit onto their device and keep them for as long as they want.

You can set up an account via www.rbdigital.com/Suffolk/service/ zinio/landing or by visiting: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE We are a charity set up to help bereaved people to understand their grief and cope with their loss. We provide information, one to one support and offer advice, education and training services.

We also have a specialist children and young people team.

If you would like to volunteer to support bereaved people, help on our area committee or with

publicity and fundraising please contact us.

For help or information please telephone your local branch.

Ipswich: 01473 230888 Suffolk Coastal: 01394 670770 West Suffolk: 01284 767674 www.cruse.org.uk / www.suffolkcruse.co.uk

HEALTH TEAMS IN SUFFOLK LAUNCH NEW CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES APP

Councillor Tony Goldson and Dr Mark Shenton with health visitors and parents and children from Acorn Children Centre

Public Health Suffolk and Suffolk’s clinical commissioning groups have launched a comprehensive guide to common childhood illnesses aimed at parents and carers. The new childhood illnesses booklet and app will provide a helpful information package during times when they may need a bit of extra help or advice.

The free booklet, The Guide: Common Childhood Illnesses and Wellbeing in Suffolk, contains information on wellbeing, common illnesses and how to keep children safe and healthy. It also provides advice on when to consult the GP or health visitor and information on common illnesses such as chickenpox, colds, sore throats and ear infections.

Suffolk residents can also download and view the information on their phones and tablets via the App Store and Googleplay by searching Suffolk Child Health.

Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member

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for Health, said: “We’re very pleased that this handy tool will provide parents with vital information on many illnesses which can treated at home or by over the counter medicine. A child’s health and wellbeing is one of the most important things to a parent, and can also be their biggest worry.

“This guide is a fantastic idea that gives people an opportunity to learn more about their child’s health and to give advice on certain situations that could cause panic. As well as illnesses it also gives tips on healthy eating and breastfeeding and general tips to give Suffolk’s young people a healthy start to life.”

As well as a booklet, the information is available to view online in a downloadable form on www. healthysuffolk.org.uk to be used by everyone, including children’s centres, health visitors and other healthcare professionals.

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE CONNECTING CARE

October 4-11 marks Hospice Care Week, a national campaign to help raise awareness and celebrate the work of local hospices, like St Elizabeth Hospice, improving life for people living with a progressive illness.

The theme for this year’s Hospice Care Week is Connecting Care and throughout the week St Elizabeth Hospice will be telling people about the innovative ways in which they connect with local people, including through community engagement work.

They will also highlight examples of their compassionate and personalised care, connecting with people wherever they are.

Mark Millar, St Elizabeth Hospice’s acting chief executive, said: “Hospice Care Week is a big week for us as it gives us the perfect opportunity to really shout about the work we do and raise awareness of the breadth of services we offer, not only for patients, but for families, carers and health professionals too.

We connect with a variety of people including those in schools, groups and businesses throughout the local community.

“A lot of people have misconceptions about what hospice care is and this national week allows us and other hospices across the country to educate and inform people about what hospice care really is and dispel some of the common myths.”

Five myths dispelled: 1. Hospices are not just a place people go to die. Patients can come to a hospice for outpatient appointments, day care, therapy, pain relief respite, as well as for end-of-life care 2. Hospice care is not just a building. Around 80% of St Elizabeth Hospice’s patients are cared for at home or in the community. The hospice centres its care around an individual’s needs which means offering specialist support wherever it is required 3. Hospices don’t just care for people with cancer. St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people living with any progressive illness, such as motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, heart, lung and kidney disease, as well as cancer 4. Anyone from the age of 14 upwards can be cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice – the hospice is currently developing its young adult service, working with young patients aged 14-30 to improve their care to meet the needs of younger people 5. Hospices are not scary or sad places. They are a happy place filled with laughter where people are supported to live the rest of their lives as fully as possible To get involved read the local paper, visit the St Elizabeth Hospice website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Keep up to date with what they’re doing during Hospice Care Week and learn more about the amazing care and support they give to local people – and how you can help.

Visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk or find them on Facebook by searching for St Elizabeth Hospice, and on Twitter @ StElizabethHosp

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK SMOKERS URGED TO SIGN UP TO STOPTOBER With data showing that 18.5% of Suffolk residents are smokers, Public Health England is urging local residents and smokers from the area to sign up to Stoptober – the country’s 28 day mass quit attempt from Public Health England – to receive support and encouragement every step of the way from some of the nation’s top comedians.

And to stand an even better chance of quitting, Suffolk residents are encouraged to sign up with their friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals that this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping.

Research shows that smokers are two thirds (67%) more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking, and a third more likely to quit when a close friend (36%) or someone they work with (34%) stops. The data also shows that individuals are much more likely (61%) to smoke if their partner or a close friend smokes – showing the powerful influence that people’s social networks have on their own smoking behaviour.

This is backed up by a study of smokers in Australia, Canada, the UK and the United States which shows that the fewer smoking friends someone has, the more likely they are to succeed in a quit attempt.

This year, Stoptober will be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians – Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. Messages of support and encouragement will be sent straight to quitters’ phones and emails throughout October.

Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. This year it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign up.

By stopping smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good.

Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Health said: “Around 18.5% of Suffolk residents smoke and I would urge each and every one to

sign up to Stoptober today. Quitting smoking can be really difficult, especially on your own, which is why it is great that this year’s campaign is encouraging you to sign up with someone else to further enhancing your chances of a successfully quitting.”

Signing up to Stoptober will provide you with a range of free support tools including online support and a mobile phone app. Suffolk’s stop smoking services provide a wealth of support including one to one and group sessions and nicotine replacement products to kick start your quit attempt. Contact Live Well on 01473 229292 and start your journey towards a healthier, happier and wealthier smoke free you today.

Rhod Gilbert who is supporting this year’s campaign says: “I smoked for about 25 years and probably spent 23 of those trying to quit, trying everything you can think of to kick the habit. I know firsthand that it can be hard to find the motivation to quit, but Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a go.

Not only will you be joining thou-

sands of others taking part, you’ll also have exclusive support from myself, Bill Bailey, Shappi Khorsandi and the Pub Landlord, as well as access to lots of other help along the way. My advice to those taking on Stoptober would be to take the 28 days one day at a time.”

By signing up to Stoptober, participants can choose from a range of free support tools including daily emails and text messages from the comedians throughout the 28 day quit attempt as well as a mobile phone app which includes lots more tips and advice – all of which have shown to increase the chances of staying smokefree.

To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, search Stoptober online or visit: www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober

CITIZENS ADVICE WARNS ABOUT ‘BOGUS SELF-EMPLOYMENT’ Citizens Advice says that people working for themselves could be bogusly self-employed, meaning workers miss out on holiday pay, government loses tax revenue and responsible businesses could be undercut.

In its new report, Neither One Thing Nor The Other, Citizens Advice reveals as many as 460,000 people could be ‘bogusly selfemployed’ meaning workers miss out on holiday and have to pay extra National Insurance.

The report also finds that bogus self-employment could cost the government up to £314m a year in lost tax and employer national insurance contributions.

Employers who want to do right by their staff can also lose out as firms forcing people into self-employment means the savings they make puts them at a competitive advantage to their rivals.

A combination of factors including work hours set by the employer, using the business’ equipment and having tax deducted from their pay by their employer could mean an individual should be an employee rather than self-employed.

Carol Eagles, manager at Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “For many people in Suffolk selfemployment is a fulfilling career choice. But Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is concerned that some people are being forced into working for themselves, when in fact they have the right to be a regular employee and the benefits this brings. This can have a negative impact on workers and their income, as well as on local businesses who do right by their staff. If you are worried about your employment status or your rights at work then you can get in touch with Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice for help and support.”

The research also identifies specific financial losses felt by the

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bogusly self-employed and the government: • An average of over £1,200 per worker per year is lost in holiday pay.

• People pay an extra £61 per year in National Insurance that they would not pay were they classified as employed.

• The loss of employer National Insurance contributions costs the government over £300 per person per year.

As part of Citizens Advice’s selfemployment campaign it is calling on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to use the government review into selfemployment to address key issues including: • Clarity and consistency around the definition of selfemployment.

• Support for people looking to save for retirement.

• Pay for parental leave.

Government departments, including the HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions, have different definitions of self-employment, making it hard for workers and businesses to be clear about employee status.

The only way to prove employee status and secure the rights this provides is to go to an employment tribunal, a lengthy process which many cannot afford since fees were introduced in 2013. Last year research from Citizens Advice showed seven in 10 potentially successful cases are not pursued by people at employment tribunals.

The local CAB (outreach service) is at Framfield Medical Centre, Thursdays, 10am to noon. CAB branches also at: Leiston – 14 Colonial House, Station Road, IP16 4JD (01728 832193); Felixstowe – 2 to 6 Orwell Road, IP11 7HD (01394 275958); Ipswich – 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE (01473 219777).

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CHURCH NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH MELTON By the time you read this, The Rev Paul Hambling will have been installed as the new Rector of St Andrew’s Melton and St Mary’s Ufford by Bishop Martin Seely, the new Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. As one wag put it to me: “We will be under new management.”

It has been nine months since The Rev Michael retired, a time that has passed quite quickly. We have been well served by various priests each Sunday during this time and to thank them we entertained them by giving a celebration tea in the church room, with the famous St Andrew’s cakes that I enjoyed immensely. We have achieved a lot during this break, accomplishing perhaps some long-held ambitions, most gratefully that we are now cosily warm with the new heating system. Most importantly though is the numbers of new people who have come to worship with us, appreciating the welcoming atmosphere and the different services we hold.

So much goes on behind the scenes at St Andrew’s, rarely seen but always appreciated. Sometimes during the week I come to sit in the peaceful silence of the empty church, the smell of polish, the beautiful arrangements of flowers, the sparkling brass, a church that is loved and cared for.

So much goes on here during each week. The enormously successful Messy Church is an introduction to the young, where we get as many as 40 adults and children for a morning of games, crafts and songs and a very nice lunch. The next Messy Church is on Saturday, October 10, from 11am-1pm. If you would like to attend, please let Jemma Roach know: jemma_roach@hotmail.com / 01394 388752 On Monday afternoons during term time, 1.30-3.15pm, it’s the turn of the parents and toddlers. So much comes out of the toy cupboard; there are shouts of joy and laughter, tea and biscuits, and during the nice weather, children dashing round the church grounds and as always trying to climb the oak tree. Do phone Sheila Hammond on 01394 380568, she will tell you all about it.

At 10am on Wednesday there is communion, gathered round the altar and a welcome cup of tea or coffee afterwards, followed by the succulent smell of a lunch being cooked. A welcome for all the elderly people in Melton. If you know of someone who would like to come please phone Angela Connolly on 01394 383003. We can arrange to collect them and bring them back home.

The Good Neighbours Coffee Group meets on the fourth Friday of each month and especially welcome new residents in Melton. Coffee, biscuits, lots of chat, sometimes speakers, artwork and knitting and a well-renowned strawberry tea each July. On the fourth Monday of each month the Woodbridge Group Evening Mothers’ Union meets at 7.30pm in the church room, a rapidly growing group which espouses the Christian life and the sanctity of marriage. The youth group meets each Thursday evening from 6.30-8.15pm. Lots of activities, theatre visits and outings.

Jo Ellis is the contact: jmumt7@gmail.com Val Shelley (01394 382912) our choir mistress will tell you about our music. The adult choir sings at festivals and after communion on Sunday mornings, weddings and at the diocesan choir festivals.

There is so much else. As a Fairtrade church we sell Traidcraft goods supporting suppliers and producers in the developing world. There is the walking group and the flower guild – Margaret Hampton at 01394 380910 would welcome you if you would like to join – and Spring Watch, encouraging you to discuss and talk about your faith.

You can find our more at www.standrewsmelton.co.uk: do look at it and we look forward to welcoming you.

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